One year ago, the Grants Pass City Council signaled its intention to demolish the Reed Building at Riverside Park. On Monday, the City Council decided the old caretaker's cottage might be worth saving after all.
During its weekly workshop yesterday, the Council heard from Site Consultant George Kramer and Historical Buildings & Sites Commission (HBSC) Chairman Ward Warren. The HBSC made a motion in July 2023 to preserve and rehabilitate the 1920s structure located along East Park Street in the historic landmark park.
Kramer was hired by the City to look at the building and decide whether it was worth saving. He said it is in remarkable condition considering the lack of attention and maintenance it has seen over the years. He added that it's a small building and it would not be complicated to fix it up, estimating the cost to be about $235,000.
In moving forward, Kramer said the most important consideration should be a determination of possible future uses for the building. He suggested that asbestos abatement and cleaning the roof should be done as soon as possible before winter weather sets in.
Warren said potential future uses for the Reed Building could include a public safety substation, historical or cultural museum, or coffee shop or small cafe. He reminded the Council that the cottage is one of the few publicly-owned historic sites still standing in Grants Pass and there are a number of funding streams such as grants that would require no cost to the public.
In a City Survey last fall, 75% of the respondents favored restoration rather than demolition.
